Watkins Regional Park… Festival of Lights Entrance: Guide to tickets, tips, and creating a magical, unforgettable holiday visit.
That’s it something downright magical
About driving a forest of lights,
Glitter is reflected your windshield,
The gentle hum of holiday music,
and that unmistakable feeling that you are part of something special.
That’s right, what I experienced the first time I visited the Watkins Regional Park… Festival of Lights entrance perfectly captures the spirit of Culture & Trends, and inside this post, I’ll proceed you through everything you need to know… where to enter, ticket tips, and how to make the evening as refined (and memorable) as possible.
1. My Personal Journey to the Festival
Let me begin a little story.
For a couple years First I decided to surprise my niece with a “lights night outside.“ She was close to six, and her eyes light (pun thought) when I told her we were leaving Watkins Regional Park for their Festival of Lights.
I didn’t understand at first that searching the right entrance would have stayed its own mini adventure.
We tried the old ways, got a little lost, and finally found the correct entry point… Which ended up being more than just one “place to enter.”
That night, Drive-through, themed screens and more the gentle sway The light around us made me feel that way a kid One more time. That experience changed the way I thought about holiday outings… And that is why I now believe so strongly in planning, especially all around the Watkins Regional Park… Festival of Lights entrance.
2. Understanding the Entrance: where you are going
If you are looking for the Watkins Regional Park… For the entrance to the Festival of Lights, here’s what you need to know:
- The main entrance to the lights show is NOT old MD 193 recordings.
- In recent years, the access was transferred to Maryland Route 202 (Largo Road). (patch)
- The entrance is from Riverdale Baptist School, on 1133 Largo Rd, Upper Marlborough, MD. (Maryland Kid Adventures)
If you try to enter Route 193, You desire to eradicate a closed gate… People have clearly reported this to several local leaders. (BOYOISUN.COM)
Why the move?
Well, according to the park’s master development plan, old man MD 193 is the entry for some tricky turns, including the ninety-degree turns that make vehicle navigation awkward, Especially when the traffic is significant. (pgparks.Com)
The newer entrance But Route 202 Gives a lot of smooth intuitive paths.
3. Timing and operation Hours
One K the first thing I always check when I plan the lights is for the Watkins Regional Park… Entrance Festival of Lights, the event usually goes from late November through January 1. (pgparks.Com)
- Lights Continued from 5:00 PM So long 9:30 PM according to the official park schedule. (Experience Prince George’s)
- Some earlier sources hinted it may last until 10 PM, more updated, official timing (per the Parks Department) is up to 9:30 PM, And the gate closes quickly at 9:30 PM. (pgparks.Com)
4. Ticketing & Pricing… What to do Know Before you go
Tickets are a big part of planning… And getting them in advance can save you time and stress.
- Online Tickets (Car/Van, 1…7 passengers): $15. (pgparks.Com)
- Gate Price (Cars/Vans 1…7 passengers): $20. (pgparks.Com)
- For larger vehicles (minibuses, limousines, buses), the price is significantly higher. (pgparks.Com)
Hayride Tickets:
- $10 per person (all ages)
- Must act hayride tickets online
- Usually first 4 PM daily (pgparks.Com)
Christmas Night Special:
- On Christmas Eve, entry is voluntary. Yes, you read that right. (pgparks.Com)
Donations:
- They encourage canned goods or non-perishable items for the family’s needs… (HappeningNext)
One thing I learned the hard way:
The entrance gate closes completely at 9:30 PM, so you won’t show up five Print minutes late if you have purchased tickets online…
5. What You will see: The Light Route And highlights
When you pass the Watkins Regional Park… Entrance Festival of Lights, you have it covered a treat.
A drive-thru is nearby three miles long, Running through the park And a fantastic array of displays. (Chesapeake Family)
Some my favorite Scenes include:
- Toy Soldiers, candy, Gingerbread Men… Classical, whimsical festive figures. (Festival of Light.Com)
- A remarkable one LED christmas tree, over fifty feet Significant, it seems hum and shimmer. (Festival of Light.Com)
- Extensive use of LED More than light… 2.5 million Light, according to the festival’s documentation.
The whole experience feels like I prefer driving a car to a storybook forest By Roshan your favorite holiday tale.
6. Insider Tips: Making Your Visit Smoother
From my niece’s wide-eyed “Wow!” to my own nerdy photo angles, here are a few lessons learned:
Go on a Weekday Night
Weeknights (Tues…Wed) are golden. Traffic is lighter. (Chesapeake Family)
Arrive Early or Late
Avoid peak congestion.
No Stopping Allowed
You can’t stop or exit your vehicle. (festival-of-light.com)
Bring Your Camera (or Phone)
Photos allowed from your car. (festival-of-light.com)
Pets Are Welcome (in Your Vehicle)
They must stay inside the car. (festival-of-light.com)
Hayrides Are Fun but Limited
Tickets go fast… show up 45…60 minutes early. (pgparks.com)
Bring Donations
Canned foods or non-perishables. (HappeningNext)
7. Alternative experience: Bikes & Lights
Here’s something extra cool… And a little different:
- Bicycles and lights event on special nights (Experience Prince George’s)
It is slower, more intimate and a ton of Fun…
8. Worth exploring nearby attractions
Watkins Regional Park has more than just lights:
- Watkins Nature Center: trails, bird aviary, raptor display. (pgparks.Com)
- Old Maryland Farm: historic farm buildings and seasonal activities. (Festival of Light.Com)
- Chesapeake Carousel: a great pre- or post-lights stop.
9. Access, Safety & Circulation
- The former MD 193 entrance had difficult turns. (pgparks.Com)
- Improvements to signage and traffic flow recommended. (pgparks.Com)
- The original northern entrance exists but is not used. (pgparks.Com)
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where is the entrance?
One: Off MD 202 (Largo Road), from Riverdale Baptist School, 1133 Largo Rd. (Maryland Kid Adventures)
Q: Can I enter through Route 193?
A: No. (patch)
Q: How long Is it a drive-thru?
One: About 3 miles. (Chesapeake Family)
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Yes… inside your car. (Festival of Light.Com)
Q: When is the festival open?
One: Late November – January 1, 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM. (Experience Prince George’s)
Q: Bathrooms available?
One: No stopping allowed.
Q: Photography allowed?
One: Yes, but don’t stop. (Festival of Light.Com)
Q: Is it a possibility to go the route?
A: No normal drive-through nights; but Bikes and Lights yes. (Experience Prince George’s)
Q: Can I contribute? the gate?
A: Yes… but higher prices. (pgparks.Com)
11. Why? the Entrance Cases (from My Perspective)
When I first Tried to retrieve my niece,
I didn’t pay enough attention to the entrance, and we almost turned away in despair.
Once I learned about the correct entrance, everything changed.
The entrance is not the only gate… This is the beginning of the experience.Watkins Regional Park… Festival of Lights Entrance
Key Taking
- A quick one checklist:
- Purchase your tickets online early (especially for hyroids)
- Pressure your tickets (or a screenshot)
- Enter through MD 202 / Largo Road, Not the old way 193
- Arrive a weekday If you can
- Convey donations
- Is your camera/phone ready
- Buckle everyone
- If you do the bike event, Reserve and manifest early
- Be prepared for 15…30 minutes of driving through the lights
- To visit the Watkins Regional Park… The Festival of Lights entrance is more than fair a trip to witness the holiday lights.
- Trust me… When you do that, those lights feel much brighter.
Additional Resources
- Prince George’s County Parks & Recreation – Festival of Lights:: Official page with dates, hours, ticket prices, entrance info, and hayride details. Essential for planning your visit.
- Route One Fun – Winter Festival of Lights Guide:: Practical tips for a smooth drive-through experience, including arrival timing, food recommendations, and donation info.
